Few sci-fi TV shows are more enjoyable than The X-Files. Over 11 seasons, the series thrills by featuring both monsters of the week and a larger mythopoeic plot about a planned alien invasion, as well as a governmental agenda to hide evidence of extraterrestrial life. The series is so good that three movies were made, and there are two revival seasons. Quality-wise, only The Twilight Zone comes close, but one other show explores alien invasions on an even larger scale.
Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment for TNT, Falling Skies aired for five seasons from 2011 to 2015. But even though it had a decent fanbase at the time, it has largely been forgotten since. Still, it’s an excellent show that has aged extremely well, making it ideal for any sci-fi fan. Even better, it’s now available on Prime Video in the U.S. (and Netflix in some territories), so anyone who discovers it now will have a fun time binge-watching all the episodes.
Humans Are In Survival Mode in ‘Falling Skies’
Unlike the beloved sci-fi series The X-Files, Falling Skies doesn’t cruise in conspiracy territory. Here, the alien threat is immediate, and the “visitors” cause major damage. Events kick off six months after a well-coordinated alien invasion of Earth. The invading forces have neutralized the world’s power grid, destroyed most of the technology, and annihilated all militaries, killing over 90% of the population in the process. Only about 700 million humans remain, scattered all over the planet, and none of them are safe. The alien race is determined to wipe out everyone.
The aliens include merciless mechanical attack drones called “mechs”; six-legged beings known as “Skitters,” who appear to control the mechs; and a mysterious group known as the Overlords, or the “Espheni,” who are the presumed masterminds of the invasion. I say presumed to avoid spoilers. The show keeps viewers in the usual trap of wondering why, and the alien motivations aren’t revealed until Season 4. You don’t need to worry about that, though. Falling Skies is a lot of fun.
Most episodes revolve around a group of fearful but determined survivors who team up. Retired United States Army Colonel Dan Weaver and Boston University history professor Tom Mason lead them. Mason has personal motivations as his son is missing. Together, they do everything in their power to restore normalcy. While some characters believe in teamwork, others stick their necks out for no one.
With madcap action sequences, strong lead performances, complex plots, and a daring use of the environment, Falling Skies maintains a blockbuster feel. The show received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Visual Effects, and it’s a shame it didn’t win an Emmy. This TV capsule also features a memorable soundtrack, from “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff, and “One Voice” by The Wailin’ Jennys. Music is a touchstone for these characters to mourn their fallen cohorts and reminisce about the idealistic days before the invasion.
The “Progression Over Twists” Narrative in ‘Falling Skies’ Makes the Show Addictive
Most of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi movies are about aliens. So, it’s unsurprising that the plot of Falling Skies unfolds so neatly. Instead of numerous twists and red herrings, the show slowly builds brick by brick until the conflict is resolved. With the alien invasion already established, each season unveils a new layer.
The X-Files protagonists, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, are more reactive than proactive. They often arrive after an incident has happened to piece together the clues. In most cases, a shadowy organization thwarts their efforts. This dynamic plays out in most seasons, which can feel redundant. In contrast, Dan Weaver and his team in Falling Skies are always on the attack. Even when the action becomes excessive, the show remains respectful of the genre it’s based on.
Both shows have memorable soundtracks, and each song either paves the way for respite or offers a haunting evocation of the dark world in which the characters find themselves. The series has a constant and terrifying sense of inescapable doom. However, Falling Skies has a richer soundtrack, with the music expertly conveying an oppressive sense of Earth in turmoil, where the forces of good and evil are locked in perpetual conflict. The songs are often reminders that the torment isn’t about to end.
Most importantly, the alien threat often feels greater in Falling Skies. Sure, the Colonists are a formidable force in the X-Files, but the human conspirators (the Syndicate) often appear superior. The Fox show has a greater legacy, no doubt, but if you are yearning for pure, no-holds-barred Humans Vs. Alien action, watch the Spielberg series.
